FirstBank 2,897 ATMs dispense over N2.8trn in 2017- Head, E-Business

The FirstBank, Group Head, E-Business, Chuma Ezirim, has disclosed that the bank’s 2,897 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in 2017 dispensed over N2.8 trillion cash to customers.

Ezirim said the distinct developments in FirstBank ATMs were achieved as a result of the desire to reach out to more people in the country and as part of putting customers at the heart of the business.

“FirstBank is positioned to meet the needs of its customers and to reach out to the under banked and unbanked. Our mission is to remain relevant in the lives of our customers by continually working at making banking services a more convenient experience for our customers,” Ezirim noted.

The bank has again validated its leadership position with the efficiency and creativity of the Bank’s ATMs as it presently accounts for 37 per cent of bills payment services on ATMs in Nigeria’s banking industry. In 2017, about 402,102 bill payments were made through the Bank’s ATMs while the value of airtime purchase was about N1.7 billion.

FirstBank is presently leading in the industry as the Bank with the highest number of ATMs, with 2,897 ATMs deployed across the Nigeria, making it the nation’s financial institution with the widest retail footprint. The Bank’s ATMs have unique functional features which include bills payment, cash transfer, air-time top-up, cash deposit among others.

The lender in a statement said, “The bills payment option is the non-cash transaction feature on the ATM that makes it easier for customers to pay for bills such as Cable TV subscription, post-paid phone bills, and pre- booked airline tickets. These transactions can be executed through the Quickteller option on any of the Bank’s ATMs.

“The Transfer feature enables customers to transfer money from their accounts to both intra (within FirstBank) and interbank (other banks) accounts, thereby reducing the queues in the banking hall, saving time as well as providing a more convenient option for customers’ money transfer needs. FirstBank is currently responsible for over 15 per cent of interbank transactions and 21 percent of airtime vending. As active mobile network users in Nigeria are over 142 million and the need to recharge is on the increase, the Bank’s ATMs also provide the platform for convenient and easy top-up.

“To further enhance convenience, FirstBank’s ATMs operate the Cash Deposit function which allows customers to deposit funds without customarily having to enter a banking hall for this transaction. The Bank’s ATMs are also equipped with cardless functionality that makes it easier for non-bank customers to deposit or withdraw money from the ATMs without a Debit card. This is a direct testament to its value proposition of putting customers first,” the statement added.